Much of Burbank turned out for the annual Magnolia Park Holiday In The Park event Friday evening, November 21. From Santa Claus and the Mayor of Burbank to Queen Elsa, a magic show, princesses, a swing band and wild animals, fun for all ages was had at Magnolia Park’s biggest party of the year.
“It felt like all of Burbank was out celebrating with us,” commented Magnolia Park Merchants’ Association President Ashley Erikson. “We are so overwhelming grateful for all of the people who came out for Holiday In The Park and for every volunteer and organization that came out and contributed their talents to making it such a fun night.”
One of the most popular attractions were the rescued wild animals from Wildlife Learning Center. Located outside Encore Nouveau, the animals, including a porcupine, a screech owl, a squirrel monkey and a snake, among others, were favorites. Kids and adults alike enjoyed petting and touching the animals.
Santa, Mrs. Claus and a Christmas Elf posed for pictures with people at the UMe Credit Union and Disney princesses dressed for winter smiled for the photo ops at PinUp Girl Boutique. Frozen‘s Queen Elsa took pictures with families and children at the Snow Lot.
The Snow Lot was a major draw as well, with five tons of fresh snow, hauled in to the newly opened parking lot at 3911 W. Magnolia Boulevard.
Bell Cottage won first place in the annual holiday decorating contest held among stores, with Encore Nouveau placing second.
Music, dance, sweet treats and lots of festive spirit were on display at Holiday In The Park. A large amount of non-perishable food was donated by attendees for the Burbank Temporary Aid Center.
The lighted holiday ivy and wreath decorations, also known as swags, were hung across Magnolia Boulevard for several blocks east and west of Hollywood Way and helped amp up the holiday spirit in the area.
“We are excited to get started for next year and plan new things,” Erikson also said. “Next year, we will be raising money to bring back the swags again and we think having them back really brought the holidays to Magnolia Park.”
In the coming year, Magnolia Park Merchants’ Association also plans to hold more events leading up to the annual grand bash, Holiday In The Park. More information can be found on the district’s website here.
